In recent years many initiatives have emerged to promote decentralized clean energy. These initiatives support energy efficiency (Regional Energy Networks), feed-in tariffs, shared renewables, intelligent grid architectures, and innovative financing and repayment mechanisms, to name a few.

“It has been some time since I have participated in a conference/meeting as relevant and as purposeful... I was completely amazed at the high level of enthusiasm and interest in clean energy, local power, environmental justice and empowerment of local communities.”

Pedro Rosado, District Representative, Office of Senator Loni Hancock

Governor Brown’s call for 12,000 megawatts of local renewable power in California by 2020 has garnered widespread support. However, there continue to be few programs at the state level for implementing a decentralized energy vision. Many communities are looking to local leadership in energy procurement as a driver for decentralized energy development and equitable, sustainable energy solutions.

At the heart of the matter is energy democracy: who controls energy development and for whose benefit. To democratize energy decisions, communities and grassroots organizations need to play an increasingly decisive role.

The San Francisco Bay Area, with its strong advocacy organizations and many renewable energy programs, has provided leadership for local clean energy development on many fronts, including the promotion of Community Choice energy.

The fourth annual Clean Power, Healthy Communities conference convened advocates, policy makers, financiers, and entrepreneurs who support clean energy and healthy communities in the Bay Area. The conference focused on finding solutions to the political and financial challenges of developing community-based energy resources and building sustainable, equitable, resilient communities.

• What’s at Stake for Bay Area Communities? • Bay Area Energy Initiatives • Overcoming Political and Financial Obstacles